Get Your EHIC Card for the Best Medical Cover in SpainIt is essential to have the EHIC Card (European Health Insurance Cover) to assure you (and your family) the best medical cover here in Malaga, especially in the early days. As mentioned in the Pre Malaga section before coming and living in Spain it’s best to do a bit of preparation. Depending on your particular situation you should sort out what healthcare and medical insurance, if any, you’ll need in your newly adopted country. The EHIC card is available through the Post Office in the U.K. It replaces the famous E111 Form which is now no longer valid or legal to use. Should you be unfortunate enough to need medical treatment during your first month or two here in Malaga, then the EHIC will enable you to get free or reduced-cost healthcare through the Spanish public health system. The card is not accepted by private clinics and it is not an alternative to travel insurance. So, if you’re really unfortunate and need ongoing treatment or medical repatriation the costs are all yours unless you have appropriate private medical insurance. You have taken early retirement or are seeking employment in Spain? Then it is possible to receive Spanish healthcare cover for a longer period as long as you can present your Form E106 when needing medical attention. Dependents can also be added to this health cover. This card you can get from your local U.K. Social Security office. To qualify you’ll need to have worked and paid taxes in the U.K. for at least two years before setting up home in Spain. This is not to be considered as anything but interim healthcare cover. It is expected that new residents will find work and therefore be entitled to Social Security or will purchase medical insurance.
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